Winston Churchill warned that when the Second World War was over Britain would be left bankrupt. Immediately after the conflict there was a very depressing atmosphere. There were problems with transport, factories ran out of fuel and at home people had no electricity to cook with. Rationing was still in force, especially with bread due to a bad wheat harvest.

I would have to say that daily life didn't change that much. There were still deficiencies regarding food and material since the war had used up a lot of it. Also there must have been a baby boom with all the men coming home (I know it kind of sounds ridiculous but that is what happened after World War I). Also, women would have stopped working so much at factories because their husbands where now able to work. The wives now spent time cleaning and cooking and taking care of the kids at home. Houses were better looked after and life wasn't easy but it was easier than during the war.Soldiers would have found it difficult to readjust to civillian life.A National School Lunch Act was passed in June, 1946. In 1948, the government introduced the National Health Service to proved free medical treatment for all, from the spectacles and false teeth, to maternity and child welfare services. Nationalization of the hospitals made nationwide care available for the injured and seriously ill. The "Welfare State" had begun.

In 1947, relief appeared in the form of the Marshall Plan, introduced by the US to help the European Economy recover. Along with the devaluation of the pound and an expansion of world markets, there was a revival of the spirit that had united the country during the War. The introduction of the Land-Rover to world markets in 1948 was a godsend for British exports. Britain was even able to join with the US in ferrying supplies to Berlin in the famous "Airlift" that began in July of that year. By 1950, rationing began to be phased out, though not until 1954 was meat rationing abolished.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.